2026 W’Cup Qualifier: Real reason we lost to Nigeria – Benin Coach Rohr

Benin Republic’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, has expressed deep disappointment after his team’s World Cup hopes were dashed by a crushing 4–0 defeat to the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday.

The decisive match, played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, saw Victor Osimhen deliver a brilliant hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka added a late goal to seal Nigeria’s dominant victory and secure their place in the World Cup playoffs.

Rohr admitted that the result was a bitter blow for his team, who had led their qualification group before the final round of fixtures. “It’s painful because we were so close to making history,” the former Super Eagles coach said. “But football can be cruel — one bad day, and everything changes.”

Had Benin managed a win against Nigeria, they would have booked a historic ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Rohr acknowledged that the Super Eagles had experienced and talented players, which gave them victory in the match.

He said that the Cheetahs were young players with less experience, but played very good football.

“There was a big disappointment because we wanted to go to the World Cup, also with Beninois for the first time in history, but we could not,” Rohr, a former coach of Nigeria, said.

“You know, we don’t have enough players of high level.

“As you know, we have some players who started the match; they don’t even have clubs; we also have players who play in the 5th division in France, but I am proud of my team.

“They did very well in this World Cup qualifier, but until the last game today. I am very happy to be the coach of this team.

“It is a young team; there are still things to learn. They started with a goal in the first minutes,” Rohr said.